Jackpot Of Jokes At Dearborn Comedy Show
"Arabs Gone Wild" in Dearborn!
"Arabs Gone Wild" sounds funny – which is perfect since it is a comedy show that is on a nationwide tour. It stopped by our neck of the woods this past Sunday at the Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn.
The show features three comedians: Dean Obeidallah and Aron Kader (both have been on Comedy Central) and Maysoon Zayid (seen in movies, including "You Don't Mess with the Zohan"). I've been following the three for years. My first interview was with Dean and Aron in 2008, so it was natural I wanted to see their show in my new hometown!
The three pride themselves in bringing people together through laughter. I've seen "Arabs Gone Wild" in New York City last year, so I was looking forward to seeing the comedians again. New York is a big melting pot and the jokes had everyone cracking up. Visiting Dearborn takes it up a notch, since some people consider this city the "Mecca of Arab-Americans."
Just by driving on Michigan Avenue and Warren Avenue – it is pretty clear that the Arab community is strong in Dearborn. So what happens when three famous Arab-American comedians come to town? The answer: A lot of belly-aching laughter.
Many of the jokes were very relevant to the news, things anyone (not just Arabs) can relate to. There was even a joke about Charlie Sheen and Muammar Gaddafi. It was also an education! When most people think of Arabs, they forget that each Middle Eastern country has a different culture and way of life. There were jokes catered specifically towards Lebanese, Palestinians, Saudis and even Chaldeans. Even though I didn't fall under these categories it was still hilarious to hear about.
Aron did make a joke about Indians (I am half Indian) that had me rolling on the floor! It is safe to say these comedians are equal opportunity offenders! All in good fun though, nothing terribly offensive.
Dean is half Italian and half Palestinian AND he is from New Jersey – JACKPOT of JOKES! I've interviewed Dean many times in the past and I was waiting to see if he had new material that can still make me laugh! Guess what? Mission accomplished. He lights up a room everywhere he goes and really knows how to entertain a crowd. Kudos to him! My favorite joke? When he compared Al-Qaeda to the Mafia. I won't dare try to explain it; you have to hear it from him.
Maysoon had many jokes about dating, and Arab culture. She also spoke in Arabic often and that had the audience laughing out of their seats. Unfortunately for me, I do not speak Arabic so I kind of felt left out.
Maysoon has cerebral palsy and was able to poke fun at herself about it. The most moving part of the evening was when she took the opportunity to talk seriously about her charity, Maysoon's Kids. The goal is to raise money for disabled children in Palestine in order for them to attend school. You can get more information on this charity at: facebook.com/maysoonzayid
All-in-all, it was great to see these Arab-American comedians outside of New York City and in Dearborn. I do not think they will ever get a chance to cater to such an amazing audience like they did in Dearborn! Hope they enjoyed us just as much as we enjoyed them!
To get more information go to: arabsgonewild.com
